For this month’s People Spotlight, Glass Times catches up with Mark Brimble, production manager at RegaLead.

Mark Brimble has been an integral part of RegaLead for nearly three decades, shaping the company’s growth and development across various roles. His journey is one of dedication, adaptability, and a passion for innovation.

“I started at RegaLead back in 1995. After about four years, I left to join the family business for a while, but I returned in 2000,” Mark recalls. His first role was in production, working on lead strip manufacturing. Over the years, he rose through the ranks, taking on various supervisory and engineering roles, eventually becoming production manager.

Today, Mark is pivotal in the development of new ventures at RegaLead, including the Urban bar and glazing cassettes, as well as Engineered Door Components.

Mark has seen a remarkable transformation in the business since his early days. “When I started, we were just making lead strip. We were also buying in film and bevels. Over time, we started producing our own film and glass, and the business expanded to include all sorts of decorative glazing components. It’s been incredible to witness the growth and diversification,” he says.

A typical day for Mark is full of hands-on activity and a variety of tasks. He starts his day early, usually around 5.30-6am, to get ahead of the demands of the job. “After 9 o’clock, my phone doesn’t stop ringing, so I make sure everything’s in order for the team before then. I’m involved in everything from production to handling job tickets and making sure there are sample packs and panels ready for the new parts of the business. It’s a busy day, and no two days are ever the same, but that’s what keeps me on my toes.”

Mark’s drive for innovation and constant improvement has been a cornerstone of RegaLead’s success over the years. “From the very beginning, I’ve been hands-on with new projects. I started with lead strip and took the initiative to find suppliers capable of creating custom rollers for different sizes and shapes. My interest in R&D grew from there, and I’ve continued to play a key role in improving our processes. One of the projects I’m most proud of is enhancing the efficiency of our coating lines, which involved redesigning key components to streamline operations.”

Outside of work, Mark is a family man who enjoys spending time in the great outdoors. “I love hiking and walking, especially in the Peak District. I’ve got a few dogs, so I’m always out with them and my five kids. It’s a nice way to unwind and enjoy some time away from the busyness of work,” he says.

Mark’s dedication to both his work and his family is a big part of why he enjoys being at RegaLead. “It still feels like a family business, even though we’ve grown a lot. We all know each other on a personal level, and there’s no ‘that’s not my job’ mentality. We all help each other out, and that makes for a really positive and supportive work environment,” he says.

For Mark, the best thing about working at RegaLead is the culture. The growth of the business has never changed the strong, familial atmosphere that has always been present. “Even as we’ve expanded, it still feels very personal. I’m proud of everything we’ve achieved here, and it’s great to be part of a team that works so well together,” he adds.